SAILING VESSEL JURA

Evening Star, Issue 22452, 24 September 1936, Page 17

SAILING VESSEL JURA

SEVENTY-EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY PASSENGERS’ AND DESCENDANTS' REUNION la continuation of the functions in commemoration of the seventy-eighth anniversary of the arrival of the sailing ship Jura at Port Chalmers on September 23, 1858, a social gathering was held in the Early Settlers’ Hall yesterday afternoon, followed by a dance and social gathering in the evening. AFTERNOON GATHERING. At the commencement of the. afternoon festivities the company stood in silence as a mark of respect to perpetuate the memory of those of the passengers of the Jura who had passed away during the year. In welcoming the passengers and descendants, the president (Mr G. Hutton) stated that the premier function in the anniversary series had been the special thanksgiving service last Sunday. He was disappointed that the younger generation was missing on this occasion. . On June 1. 1858, he continued, the Jura sailed from the banks of the Clyde with 375 passengers aboard. After an uneventful voyage of 115 days she arrived safely at Port Chalmers. He outlined the feelings of the passengers on that voyage—as they embarked, on the ocean, and, finally, after disembarkation at Port Chalmers, their relief on the arrival at Emigration Barracks in Dunedin. Few persons today realised how indebted they were to these pioneers. There were but 15 of that company alive now. Of_ this number five were at the gathering— Messrs Thomas White, George Clark (of Roslyn), .David Clark, George Clark (of Anderson’s Bay), and W. Paterson. In conclusion, he welcomed Mr 1. Begg, of the ship Auckland, who was present in a representative capacity, and thanked the descendants for their support and co-operation in the festivities. An interesting address, enlivened by numerous anecdotes, on the anticipations of the early settlers and the memories, happy and tragic, which the survivors cherished, was given by the Rev. Hugh Graham, of Mosgiel. Memories, he said, were an unbreakable tie, linking families and friends. Their memories that day were of the sailing vessel Jura as she departed from Glasgow to Port Chalmers 78 years ago with her quota of 375 passengers—2sl adults, 106 children, and 18 infants. Some of the events on the voyage were sad beyond telling. Scarlet fever- broke out among the children, and heart-broken fathers and mothers had to commit the children who died to the deep. That was part of the price those pioneers were called on to pay in their quest for betterment in this far-off land. When, after the long voyage, the shipmates arrived at Dunedin it was a very different city from the city of to-day. After 78 rears the benefits of the foresight, the toil, and the self-denial_ of those heroic colonists were being reaped. It was a strong bond that united those fellow passengers —the bond of joys and sorrows. shared in common. He had been interested to see an advertisement in the ‘ Otago Witness ’ -of . Octobef .’2, 1858, giving the current bill of fare at_ the Queen’s Arms Tavern Coffee and Dining Rooms. Well-aired beds cost Is a night, and bed and lodging could be had for 20s a week. The menu was as follows: — Soup with bread. Gel; plate of meat, 6d; pudding, 3d ; tea. per cup, 3d; coffee, 3d; vegetables, 2d. The rate paid for Government work at that time was 5s per day, and there was no mention of a 40-hour week. _ The good old days were worth recalling, but it was better to believe that the best was still to be. Progress had certainly been made along many directions, and the people of Otago had good reason to be proud of the pioneers. Life still brought its demands as it had to them, and he prayed that qll might accept their tasks as worthy descendants of their Scottish parents. Life also’ brought its rewards to those who did their duty faithfully. The world was a wonderful place, and the backward glance made at such reunions was for the purpose of cheering and encouraging. “ Let us honour,” he concluded, “ the memory of the real and true men and women who came with the Jura; let us also follow their example and think of posterity.” The remainder of the function was of an informal nature. Items were rendered by Mrs A. Chisholm (songs); Mr J. Paterson (songs), and Miss Lexie Mathieson ('monologues). The accompanists were Miss Winnie Stokes and Miss Joyce Fairburn. SOCIAL EVENING. *ln the evening a social and dance was held, which was largely attended by descendants of Jura passengers and others. The president (Mr G. Hutton) extended a welcome to Mr D. J. Calcler, president_ of the Otago Early Settlers’. Association, and Mr J. Torrance, president of the Ship Auckland Association. Acknowledging the greetings, Mr Calcler said that the parent body encouraged such reunions, and was sorry that the passengers and descendants of only two of the ships, the Jura and the Auckland, made regular features of such gatherings. It was the aim of the association to promote friendships among the children of the early settlers and to instil a' spirit of veneration for the pioneers, to whom so much honour was due. Mr Torrance also replied. The evening was spent in dancing and games, occasional items being given. The contributing artists were Mrs Jones (songs). Miss White (songs), and Mr M‘Kee (humour). Mr Kerr officiated as M.C.